Pollinator's future - Oklahoma Farm Bureau
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The Magazine of the
Oklahoma Farm Bureau
Summer 2021 • Vol. 74 No. 3
®
A
pollinator’s
future Farm Bureau members take on conservation efforts
to help promote critical pollinator species.
A healing hand on the land
One family’s focus on generational stewardship
Commodity corner
Examining the power of conservation
2021 legislative wrap-up
Recapping a session of advocacy achievement
Volume 74 No. 3
Summer 2021
(ISSN 1544-6476)
EDITORIAL TEAM
Dustin Mielke
Vice President of Communications and Public Relations
Hannah Davis
Director of Media Relations
Brianne Whitcomb
Publications Specialist ON THE COVER
With Oklahoma agriculture playing a vital role in the preservation of
Rebekah Nash monarch butterflies and other pollinators, their efforts help ensure the
Communications Specialist future of pollinators for generations to come. Photo by Dustin Mielke.
Oklahoma Country is published four times per year in January, April, HIDDEN NUMBER WORTH $50
July and October by Oklahoma Farm Bureau, One member family’s Oklahoma Farm Bureau membership number is
2501 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3126, hidden somewhere in this issue of Oklahoma Country and could earn
Telephone: (405) 523-2300. that member family $50. To claim the cash prize, the member family must
find its own hidden membership number and contact Brianne Whitcomb
Postmaster: Send address corrections to: before the last day of the month, Monday through Friday,
Oklahoma Country, P.O.B. 53332, Oklahoma City, OK 73152-3332. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (405) 523-2325.
The OKFB membership number hidden somewhere in Oklahoma
DIRECT ADVERTISING INQUIRIES TO: Country must match the number on the face of your individual OKFB
Oklahoma Country membership card for you to claim the cash prize. The membership number
Attn: Casey McNeal that appears on your magazine’s mailing label is not the hidden number,
(800) 798-2691, ext. 334 but also must match the hidden number for you to claim the cash prize.
or email casey@iafalls.com
ADVERTISING POLICY OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU DIRECTORS
All advertising is subject to publisher’s approval. Advertisers assume Rodd Moesel | President
all liability for content of their advertising. Publisher does not Gary Crawley | Vice President
guarantee advertiser service or products, and assumes no liability for John Grundmann | Secretary
products or services advertised. Monte Tucker | Treasurer
Leon Richards | Director
TO SUBSCRIBE David VonTungeln | Director
Oklahoma Country subscription rate is $1 per year for members as Kerry Givens | Director
part of the dues, and $15 for non-members. James Fuser | Director
Stacy Simunek | Director
WEBSITE Jim Meek | Director
www.okfarmbureau.org Thad Doye | Executive Director
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4 — Oklahoma Country
Oklahoma Country Summer 2021
Columns
06 Presidentially Speaking
08 Our Story
In Every Issue
22 Commodity Corner
24 Consider the Benefits
32 Forward Foundation
34 All Around Oklahoma
14
46 Noble News
A pollinator’s future
48 Country Gardening By Brianne Schwabauer
With a diminishing population of many pollinator species, Oklahoma
50 Country Classifieds Farm Bureau members work diligently to help preserve their habitat.
10 Legislative Review
Even with continued challenges at the state Capitol, Oklahoma
26 A healing hand on the land
By Rebekah Nash
Following the tradition of conservation passed down from his
Farm Bureau accomplished a number of wins on behalf of members great-grandfather, Grant Victor strives to implement small
across the state this session. changes with big impacts to his farm and ranch.
Summer 2021 — 5
PRESIDENTIALLY SPEAKING
Back to business face-to-face
By Rodd Moesel
President, Oklahoma Farm Bureau & Affiliated Companies
klahoma Farm Bureau members, it is time. Time to Then there’s the myriad of state-level issues OKFB continues
gather, time to meet, time to share our ideas and time for to monitor and respond to as we make the voice of our members
fellowship. And it is time to do all of it in person. resonate throughout state government. As excited as we are
I have been proud this past year to see how Farm Bureau about the success we had at the state Capitol this year, we know
members stepped up in new and exciting ways to make their the issues facing farmers and ranchers never stop evolving.
voices heard on the issues that matter most. From calling your Farm Bureau never stops working on behalf of our members, and
legislators to tuning in to our Friday public policy updates we must continue to use our strong voice to protect our rights
to attending our Congressional Conversations webinars and and our way of life.
meetings with our U.S. House and Senate members, our No matter what issues our members are passionate about, it is
organization has stayed involved and engaged even as we faced the very purpose of our organization to listen, discuss and work
the unknown. together to find progressive solutions for our industry and our
As effective as we have proven we can be in a variety of communities. Please bring the discussions that you have had
circumstances, it is time to get at your local coffee shop
back to our in-person meetings, or county Farm Bureau
events and quality time with our meeting to our August Area
Farm Bureau family. I’m especially Throughout the past Meetings as we all share
excited to hear the perspective our
members have on a host of issues and
year there has been no policy-based solutions to
improve agriculture. If
challenges facing agriculture and our shortage of topics to you’ve had ideas during this
rural communities. Throughout the
past year there has been no shortage discuss when we meet past year that you think
can help make the future
of topics to discuss when we meet with our rural friends brighter, we need to discuss
with our rural friends and neighbors. them as an organization,
I know the structure and pricing and neighbors. and I, personally, want
issues in the beef industry have been to hear any idea that can
front-and-center in our members’ — Rodd Moesel make us better.
minds as they navigate ever- And in the same way we
changing cattle markets. Our modern visit with our neighbors,
food system is large, efficient and complex, created to meet the friends and fellow Farm Bureau members, we must not forget to
needs of our customers, but we must ensure a level playing field continue the conversation with our elected officials, whether
for our family farmers and ranchers. on the state or national level, to help them understand our
The Environmental Protection Agency’s recently announced challenges so we can find the best solutions.
plans to repeal and replace the Navigable Waters Protection That is what we are all about, and it is what I am most excited
Rule is concerning to agriculture producers, especially since for as we fire up our in-person meetings and events once again:
our industry has worked diligently to provide input and ideas working as one industry with one voice to find the best path
that helped craft the current rule, which safeguards the forward for agriculture, for our rural communities, and for our
environment while ensuring farmers and ranchers can fellow Oklahomans.
continue to both produce food and care for the land. Our
organization needs to once again provide input as the EPA’s
process moves forward.
While tax law may not be a favorite pastime of most folks, the
proposed elimination of stepped-up basis would essentially be
a backdoor way to tax the transfer of land and assets that our
members pass along from one generation to the next.
6 — Oklahoma Country
Summer 2021 — 7
OUR STORY
More than meets the eye
By Dustin Mielke
Vice President of Communications and Public Relations
Oklahoma Farm Bureau
here’s something magical about summer, especially for Today’s stewards of the land are building upon generations
those of us in agriculture. From wheat harvest in June to of progress aimed at leaving the land better than ever before.
the hot, summer growing season, it is a time of reaping and a Farmers and ranchers today have access to vast amounts of data,
time of growth. research, information and observations that help them develop
It is also a great time for vacations, road trips and simply new techniques and refine the ways in which they care for the
cruising our state’s back roads. land, the water and their animals.
As we have traveled across the It is important to note
state to create our summer issue of Today’s stewards that Oklahoma agriculture’s
Oklahoma Country, we have had the sustainability story has no end
chance to survey fields, pastures, of the land are point – no period to the sentence.
farmsteads, fieldwork, livestock
and more. It is easy to see the big building upon The methods and means our
members use to responsibly
picture when passing by a farm or
agricultural land: vast fields, grazing
generations of produce food, fiber and fuel are
always evolving. There is no finish
cattle, farm equipment gliding across progress aimed at line where farmers’ and ranchers’
the landscape and crops waving in the conservation efforts are “good
ever-present Oklahoma wind. leaving the land enough,” but rather, they are
For all that can be seen from the
road, it is easy to miss the delicate better than ever constantly looking for new ways
to improve their environmental
rhythms of everyday life and change
happening on Oklahoma’s family
before. stewardship. What today’s
agriculturalists are doing now
farms and ranches. serves as a stepping stone to the
In this magazine issue, we have — Dustin Mielke practices that future generations
the pleasure of sharing several will implement.
stories about conservation and Farmers and ranchers approach
stewardship efforts Oklahoma Farm their relationship with the land
Bureau members are undertaking to improve the land and our as less of a task or a chore and more as a calling or commission
natural resources. From planting pollinator habitats to closely to care for the resources that have been entrusted to them by
monitoring and managing land use, these stories are just a few our Creator. Agriculturalists are the on-the-ground experts who
examples of the mindset with which Oklahoma agriculturalists intimately know each field, pasture and plot on their operation.
approach their life’s work. They are the hyper-local caretakers working to ensure that
Agriculturalists all across our state work day in and day out as when their time on the land is done, the next person can
partners with the land, caring for millions of acres of farmland, continue on the tradition of stewardship.
prairies, woodlands and wetlands. They serve as the first line of So as you drive past a farm or ranch on your way to a vacation
protection for our natural resources, sustaining our modern way or during a road trip, remember, there is a lot more going on
of life by working the land. than meets the eye. You just can’t see it from the road.
8 — Oklahoma Country
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Summer 2021 — 9
OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU’S
As it took the organization’s policy priorities to the state Capitol during the first session of the
58th Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Farm Bureau accomplished a number of wins for its
members including ensuring access to the critical agriculture sales tax exemption, preventing
property tax increases on producers and protecting farms and ranches from nuisance lawsuits.
AGRICULTURAL SALES TAX EXEMPTION
In the early months of 2021, OKFB heard from numerous members form, such as a Schedule F, Form 4835 or Form 1065; a one-
who experienced difficulties in obtaining or renewing a state page business description form provided by the Oklahoma Tax
agricultural sales tax exemption permit. County assessors began Commission; a USDA Farm Service Agency Form 156EZ; or other
requiring producers to present a Schedule F, or Form 1040, to documents to verify active agriculture production at the discretion
qualify for the permit. of the tax commission. The legislation took effect on July 1, 2021.
After multiple failed attempts to achieve an agreement with Though the legislation will help address some of the challenges
the Oklahoma Tax Commission, OKFB worked alongside a large Farm Bureau members faced in securing the permit, OKFB will
coalition of agriculture groups to support Senate Bill 422 by continue to work with the Oklahoma Tax Commission and other
Rep. Dell Kerbs and Sen. Frank Simpson. The bill – which passed state leaders to ensure all agricultural producers who are eligible
unanimously – provides agricultural producers four options to for the exemption can acquire a permit.
prove eligibility for the exemption permit including a federal tax
10 — Oklahoma CountryPROPERTY TAXES
Because farmers and ranchers are disproportionately impacted
by ad valorem taxes, preventing increases in property taxes has
been a cornerstone OKFB issue for decades. Over the past several
years, the state Legislature has increasingly considered new ad
valorem tax proposals and 2021 was no different.
For nearly five years, OKFB has participated in discussions on
a proposal to allow municipalities to levy a new ad valorem tax to
fund police, fire and ambulance services. Farm Bureau this year
negotiated with legislators and other interested parties – including
leaders from Oklahoma City and Tulsa – to ensure the proposed
legislation protected farmers and ranchers from increases in
ad valorem taxes. Senate Bill 838 by Sen. Darrell Weaver and
Rep. Jadine Nollan passed the state Legislature and was signed
by Gov. Kevin Stitt with key protections including an exemption
for agriculture-zoned land and livestock, a 60% threshold for
voter approval and an exemption for implements of husbandry
including trailers, tractors, sprayers, tanks and ATVs.
While the passage of SB 838 enshrined into law valuable
protections for Oklahoma’s agricultural producers, the bill
also provided a chance for Farm Bureau to further develop
relationships with its urban counterparts and create opportunities
to work together on shared goals in the future.
Alongside SB 838, Farm Bureau was pleased to see the success
of another piece of legislation to safeguard the use of taxpayer
dollars. Senate Bill 825 by Sen. Rob Standridge and Rep. Kevin
West prohibits communities that levy a tax approved by a vote
of the people for a designated purpose – such as funding public
safety – from redirecting those funds to another use without
authorization by a vote of the people. The bill should prevent
municipalities from assessing a tax for popular core services and
then using those funds for other projects.
Lawmakers also resurfaced legislation first introduced in 2020
that would allow counties to levy a countywide ad valorem tax for
the purpose of hazard mitigation. OKFB last year led a coalition
that soundly defeated the bill on the House floor. Despite the
outcome in the 2020 legislative session, state legislators again
pushed House Bill 2092 by Rep. Lonnie Sims and Senate Bill 189
by Sen. Dave Rader through committees in both the House and
the Senate this year. OKFB issued its first action alert of the year
to ask members to contact legislators and urge a no vote on the
bills. Thanks to the significant pressure applied by Farm Bureau
members, neither bill received further consideration on the floor
and the issue was resolved for the year. OKFB will watch closely as
the 2022 legislative session approaches, as the issue is expected
to emerge again.
Summer 2021 — 11PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS This year’s legislative session brought several successes in upholding private property rights. OKFB worked closely with state legislators to revise an initially flawed proposal on trespassing and create legislation to eliminate a loophole that previously allowed entry into a garden, yard, pasture or field without permission. OKFB’s work to amend House Bill 1135 by Rep. Scott Fetgatter and Sen. Zack Taylor essentially eliminates all posting requirements in the state’s trespassing law. Strides were also made to protect landowners from frivolous or unnecessary nuisance lawsuits while employing normal agricultural production practices. Senate Bill 939 by Sen. Zack Taylor and Rep. John Pfeiffer prevents municipalities from deeming any action by critical infrastructure sectors – including agriculture – a nuisance if the operations are in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations. Another recent OKFB member concern was successfully addressed in Senate Bill 839 by Sen. Nathan Dahm and Rep. Sean Roberts, which prohibits the installation of game or wildlife cameras by game wardens on private property without the permission of the owner or a warrant issued by a court. REDISTRICTING One of the state Legislature’s top priorities this year – as required shifts from rural to urban areas over the past 10 years, Farm by the state constitution – was redrawing the state’s legislative Bureau was pleased to see rural communities retain significant and congressional district lines following the 2020 Census. The representation in the newly drawn Senate and House districts. new boundaries will be used for elections beginning in 2022. In May, the new legislative district maps were approved as Because of census data delays from the federal government, Senate Bill 1066 and House Bill 1198 by Senate President Pro the state Legislature was forced to use data from the U.S. Census Tempore Greg Treat and Speaker of the House Charles McCall by Bureau’s 2015-2019 American Community Survey to meet its the state House and Senate before receiving final approval from constitutional requirement of completing legislative redistricting the governor. within 90 legislative days after the state Legislature convenes Once the state receives final 2020 Census data in the fall, following the last decennial census. state lawmakers will convene in a special session to complete Both the state Senate and House created redistricting Oklahoma’s congressional redistricting process. During the special committees to carry out the process of drawing new legislative session, legislators also will have an opportunity to revise the new and congressional district lines, which were chaired by Sen. Lonnie state legislative districts should any of them deviate more than Paxton and Rep. Ryan Martinez. The committees spent months 2.5% from the ideal district population under the final census data. compiling input from constituents at town halls across the state OKFB members are encouraged to participate in the state and from each member of the state Legislature. The redistricting Legislature’s congressional redistricting town halls to be held in committees each released their proposed district maps in April. July. Find more information at okfb.news/CongressRedistricting. Though many rural Oklahomans were concerned about population 12 — Oklahoma Country
STATE BUDGET
Despite fears of a tumultuous fiscal year
for the state, the overall appropriations
OKFB’S TOP LEGISLATION
and budget process resulted in a net SIGNED INTO LAW
increase of 7% in overall spending, while
still depositing $800 million into the state BILL AUTHOR SUBJECT
savings fund. The state Legislature also
Sen. Frank Simpson Expands ag sales tax exemption
addressed multiple OKFB policy priorities SB 422
Rep. Dell Kerbs proof of eligibility
by investing in critical programs for
agriculture and rural Oklahoma.
Sen. Casey Murdock Authorizes ODAFF to create
Noteworthy funding increases included: SB 775
Rep. Eddy Dempsey livestock offender registry
• $42 million for a rural broadband
sales tax rebate program Sen. Robert Standridge Prevents redirection of tax
• $2 million for the Oklahoma SB 825
Rep. Kevin West dollars without voter approval
Cooperative Extension Service
• $1 million for the Oklahoma Sen. Darrell Weaver Allows cities to create public
Agricultural Experiment Station SB 838
Rep. Jadine Nollan safety protection districts
• $3 million for the Oklahoma State
University College of Veterinary Sen. Nathan Dahm Prevents game warden cameras
SB 839
Medicine Rep. Sean Roberts on private property
• $300,000 for Oklahoma
Department of Agriculture, Food Sen. Casey Murdock Modifies location for public land
SB 910
and Forestry for additional meat Rep. Carl Newton auctions
processing facility inspectors
Sen. Zack Taylor Prevents certain nuisance claims
SB 939
Rep. John Pfeiffer on critical industries
Sen. Lonnie Paxton Allows governor to fill U.S.
SB 959
Rep. Kyle Hilbert Senate vacancies
Sen. Adam Pugh Exempts licensing requirements
HB 1032
Rep. Garry Mize for certain home bakers
Rep. Logan Phillips Creates grant program for
HB 1124
Sen. James Leewright broadband expansion
Rep. Scott Fetgatter Eliminates posting requirements
HB 1135
Sen. Zack Taylor in Oklahoma trespass law
Rep. Eddy Dempsey Creates sales tax exemption for
HB 1588
Sen. George Burns commercial forestry equipment
Rep. Garry Mize Prohibits the banning of
HB 1620
Sen. John Montgomery agritourism activities
Rep. Josh West Requires medical marijuana
HB 2272
Sen. Casey Murdock entities disclose foreign interests
Rep. Rick West Prohibits medical marijuana
HB 2930
Sen. Frank Simpson entities from ag grant program
Rep. Kevin Wallace Provides sales tax rebate on
HB 2946
Sen. Roger Thompson qualifying broadband equipment
Rep. Kevin Wallace Creates fund to hire counsel for
HB 2951
Sen. Roger Thompson legal controversy with tribes
Questions? Contact the OKFB Public Policy Division at (405) 523-2300.
Summer 2021 — 13a pollinator’s
Vital to the success of production agriculture, Oklahomans
unite to preserve the monarch butterfly population.
story by: brianne whitcomb photos by: dustin mielkeach and every spring, tens of millions of tiny, winged creatures take
flight and begin their long journey north after enjoying a mild winter in
central Mexico, seeking out flower after flower as they make their way
to Oklahoma.
Easily recognized by their unique patterns and shades of orange, black and
white, the monarch butterfly has captured the hearts of people across the
country for generations.
The species is divided into three key populations within the United States –
the south Floridian, the western and the eastern – the latter two are the most
widely recognized. With the Rocky Mountains serving as the dividing line
between them, Oklahoma welcomes the eastern population each spring and
fall as they cross the country.
Scientists, however, have seen a nearly 80% decrease in the numbers of the
eastern population over the course of the last 25 years.
“One of the main theories why there’s been a decrease in population has
been the reduced amount of milkweed plants in the Midwestern states, such as
Iowa, Illinois, eastern Nebraska, Indiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin,” said Ray
Moranz, grazing lands pollinator ecologist for the Xerces Society and a partner
biologist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Central National
Technology Support Center in Fort Worth, Texas. “Those states were always
the most important states for monarchs in the mid-summer months.”
Recognizing that weed management practices have improved over the years,
farmers and ranchers worked diligently to control the unwanted plants and
improve land care practices. The enhanced weed control unfortunately also
decreased the milkweed population, which is vital to monarch reproduction as
it is the only plant females will lay their eggs on and the only plant caterpillars
will consume.
“Others believe there aren’t enough nectar plants blooming in Texas,
Oklahoma and Kansas in the fall to feed the millions and millions of monarchs
that fly through in September and October on their way to their overwintering
sites in Mexico,” Moranz said.
Traditionally traveling along the I-35 corridor, monarchs can be found
throughout the state from mid-March into early April and again in September
and October. While many will continue their journey north, some will remain
within Oklahoma to reproduce.
As they make their way into the Sooner State each spring, female monarchs
carefully lay each of their nearly 300 to 400 eggs on different milkweed plants
before dying a few weeks later. Roughly 30 days after each egg has been laid,
the next generation will gain its brightly colored wings and begin making their
own journey north.
Unfortunately, it is no easy task for an egg to fully mature into a butterfly.
Moranz estimates that for every 100 eggs laid, just one will turn into a butterfly
because they are unable to find enough milkweed or encounter predators such
as ants, flies and wasps.
Upon their arrival in the more northern states, even into portions of southern
Canada, the new offspring will lay their own eggs and generation after
generation of monarch butterflies will multiply through the summer months.
Those that made the trip north from Oklahoma will die off and the following
generations will rely on their instincts to begin the trip back south in August
and September as the days slowly begin to shorten.
“We think adult monarch butterflies in the spring and summer live two to
six weeks if they are not eaten by something,” Moranz said. “They die of old
age after only a few weeks, but the ones that fly to Mexico live for as long as
eight months. As the day length shortens in fall, that triggers a physiological
response to turn off their reproductive hormones. When their reproductive
hormones are turned off, they live longer.”
16 — Oklahoma CountryRay Moranz, grazing
lands pollinator
ecologist for the
Xerces Society and a
partner biologist for
the Natural Resources
Conservation Service’s
Central National
Technology Support
Center in Fort Worth,
Texas, examines a
milkweed plant for
monarch eggs and
caterpillars at his home
in Payne County.
Summer 2021 — 17Located just five miles east of Slapout, Oklahoma, Beaver County Farm Bureau member Mary Chris Barth stands in the newly created pollinator garden that was a collaborative effort amongst roughly a dozen local organizations. With the highly visible location, she hopes it will encourage others to start their own pollinator garden.
s they make their lengthy journey back to their
overwintering sites in Mexico, the monarchs need a
reliable supply of flowers once again in states such as
Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas to continue on. In the
long run, the same plants they seek out are also beneficial to
all pollinators.
“What we do to help monarchs helps pollinators in general,
including honeybees and bumble bees,” Moranz said. “Those
pollinators help maintain the fruit and vegetable production in
farms and gardens throughout the state, but they also ensure
we have healthy populations of wildflowers in rangelands and
improved pasture.”
In recent years, organizations across the country have
been established to push communities to rally together in
creating pollinator gardens and habitats. From potted plants
on apartment balconies and small flower beds in suburban
backyards to open pastures with cattle grazing and clusters of
wildflowers around center pivots, every host and nectar plant
plays a valuable role. pays tribute to the agricultural roots of the community by
For a group of nearly a dozen organizations located in incorporating antique hay rake wheels and old corner fence
what is often referred to as no man’s land within Oklahoma’s posts rescued from the rubble of area wildfires in recent years.
Panhandle, they hope to make a difference for monarchs By having such a visible location, Barth hopes their project
in their own unique way as people travel through the will inform and educate visitors while providing a safe place
unincorporated community of Slapout, Oklahoma. for weary travelers to stop and rest awhile. As the project
“The location we have chosen is on the 100th meridian,” progresses, they plan to incorporate plant identification tags,
said Mary Chris Barth, Beaver County Conservation Board signs with information about monarchs, benches and trash
vice-chair, project coordinator and Beaver County Farm Bureau cans. They also hope to install a sign recognizing the many
board member. “The 100th meridian is where the west begins, donors who helped make the project possible.
so we have granite historic markers and roadside pull-offs. It’s “Instead of just hitting road time, we want people to
just the perfect location to draw traffic and make a statement understand what we are doing to protect the land and enhance
to tell our story.” our environment,” Barth said. “I hope that it will bring more
Located just five miles east of Slapout along Highway 412, plots along the way.”
the site of their first newly established pollinator garden As the project coordinator for the pollinator garden,
Barth enlisted help from a variety of community
organizations including Laverne FFA, Laverne
4-H, Overstreet 4-H, Buffalo FFA, Buffalo 4-H,
the Slapout and Gate community centers, Beaver
and Harper County Home and Community
Education organizations, Beaver and Harper
County Extension Service offices, and the Beaver
and Harper County Conservation Boards to help
maintain the site and even create a second location
in the future.
“Conservation is very dear to me,” Barth said. “I
grew up in Cimarron County and we started using
limited tillage, but those were the eras of having
dirt storms to the point they closed the highway
down and used front-end loaders to help clear it.
That is where my foundation in conservation
really started.”
Her continued passion for conservation has
even resulted in the creation of a youth board
as part of the Beaver County Conservation
District. Comprised of high school students from
within Beaver County, the members participate
Summer 2021 — 19“Butterfly
people,
pollinator
people and
cattle ranchers
have a lot in
common. We
want to keep
grassland as
grassland.”
– Ray Moranz
in a variety of fun activities all while habitat, but also by managing the habitat especially legumes such as purple prairie
learning about the impact they can we already have,” Moranz said. clover and Illinois bundleflower, are high
have within their local community long- To truly make a difference in the future in crude protein and utilized heavily by
term. Each member who remains an population of monarchs, Moranz believes cattle,” Moranz said.
active participant on the youth board it will only be possible through the For generations, milkweed in particular
throughout high school is eligible for a cooperative efforts of gardeners, local was considered a nuisance by some
scholarship to further their education. communities and producers alike. producers and plants were destroyed out
To help spread the word of pollinators For farmers and ranchers in particular, of concern for livestock. Through various
and the importance of their habitat, incorporating conservation techniques studies, researchers have found that
pollinator gardens have also been such as removing redcedar trees, while some varieties native to the state
created at local farmers markets, applying routine prescribed burns and do contain varying levels of poisonous
churches, libraries, office buildings and encouraging the growth of native plants compounds, many do not.
schools across the state. can all have a positive influence in By remaining in contact with livestock
As a supporter of monarch getting much of Oklahoma’s land back producers in Oklahoma and Kansas
conservation efforts, the Oklahoma into native grass and flower species. on a regular basis, Moranz has learned
Farm Bureau Legal Foundation currently In recent years, Moranz has learned cattle that cattle tend to avoid milkweed
serves on the steering committee for that a combination of redcedar tree varieties with higher levels of poisonous
Okies for Monarchs, a statewide group removal, followed by a prescribed burn compounds.
of organizations and citizens collectively once the trees have dried out can result “There’s clear research evidence that
working together to ensure the future in once dormant native seeds coming some milkweed species are very low in
of monarch butterflies. The OKFB Legal back to life. toxins and recently, some cattlemen and
Foundation also participated in a multi- “Oklahoma has millions of acres of grassland biologists have reported that
state Farm Bureau project informing rangeland, and if we manage those cattle don’t seem to mind eating those
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about acres a little better for the sake of particular milkweeds.”
the many ways agriculture can benefit pollinators while still having profitable Moranz hopes that as more research
monarch butterflies. livestock enterprises, that would be proves the benefits of native grass
Even with efforts from local absolutely huge for monarchs and other and flower species within the livestock
communities like seen in Beaver and pollinators,” Moranz said. industry, more and more producers will
Harper Counties, Moranz is unsure if Not only important to pollinators, be encouraged to make the shift in their
monarch butterflies will ever recover. Moranz believes that wildflowers are own operations.
“Can it get back to the way it was in often under-appreciated for their value “Butterfly fans, pollinator
the 90s? I’m not sure, but I’m confident to wildlife and livestock. conservationists and cattle ranchers have
that we can help stop its further “There is more and more research a lot in common,” Moranz said. “We want
decrease somewhat by planting more showing that some wildflowers, to keep grassland as grassland.”
20 — Oklahoma CountryWhat to plant in your
GARDEN
When walking in to a local nursery, it can be a bit overwhelming deciding
what to purchase – whether you are new to gardening or a seasoned
professional. If you hope to increase the amount of monarch butterflies and
other pollinators in your yard, try some of the plants listed below. Considered
the top 12 host and nectar plants within Oklahoma, your yard could soon be a
haven to these tiny winged creatures in all stages of their life.
PLANT BLOOMING SEASON HOST/NECTAR ANNUAL/PERENNIAL
Butterfly milkweed early bloom host/nectar perennial
Green antelopehorn early bloom host/nectar perennial
Golden crownbeard early bloom nectar annual
Eastern purple coneflower mid-bloom nectar perennial
Indian blanket mid-bloom nectar annual
Wild bergamont mid-bloom nectar perennial
Basket-flower mid-bloom nectar perennial
Maximilian sunflower mid-bloom nectar perennial
Blazingstar mid-bloom nectar perennial
Aromatic aster late bloom nectar perennial
Showy goldenrod late bloom nectar perennial
Blue sage late bloom nectar perennial
*For a more in-depth list based on the western, central and eastern regions of the state, visit okfb.news/butterflygarden.
Summer 2021 — 21COMMODITY CORNER
continued
CONSERVATION
As the original stewards of the land, farmers and ranchers across the state continue
to implement new and exciting ways to preserve their farms and ranches for future
generations. These five practices are just a few of the countless ways producers work
daily to ensure their land is viable for years to come.
EASTERN REDCEDAR PRESCRIBED BURN NATIVE PASTURE
Photo courtesy of Oklahoma State University
Considered invasive, the eastern redcedar The idea of intentionally setting fire to land From milkweed and Indian paintbrush to
is able to adapt to a variety of different may sound odd to some, but the positive buffalograss and prairie clover, each and every
environments, consumes large amounts of effects of the practice are immense. native grass and flower plays an integral role
water, is a fire hazard during the dry months By implementing prescribed burns on land, in Oklahoma's diverse ecosystem and are
and is able to reseed very easily. farmers and ranchers are able to: already present in many pastures throughout
While the redcedar is native to Oklahoma • reduce the fuel load in pastures before the state. Planted beside the many native
and 36 other states, it is not indigenous wildfire season species, however, are a number of plants that
to many of the areas it is now found, • improve wildlife habitats are not native to our state.
highlighting its ability to adapt. • increase grassland production Through routine measures to remove the
By implementing a variety of routine land • decrease the amount of young eastern non-native species, producers are working to
management practices, many producers redcedar trees make room for native plants that are better
remove eastern redcedars when they are While there are associated risks to able to adapt to our climate and wildlife.
young and easily manageable. This allows prescribed burning, farmers and ranchers By preserving native pasture, farmers and
native grasses, flowers and other native trees work closely with first responders, utility ranchers work to ensure their lands can be:
to thrive. companies, neighbors and the Oklahoma • utilized as grazing lands for livestock
If interested in removing eastern redcedar Prescribed Burn Association to reduce risk as • a source of food and shelter for wildlife
trees, contact a local Natural Resources much as possible. including big game and birds
Conservation Service field office to learn For producers interested in implementing • a haven for pollinators such as bees,
more about the cost-share programs available prescribed burning on land within Oklahoma, butterf lies and moths
for removal. visit ok-pba.org. • potential fish habitats within streams
22 — Oklahoma CountryNO-TILL COVER CROPS
Photo courtesy of Oklahoma State University
Deciding whether or not to implement no-till In a state known for its challenges with soil,
practices on a farm is not an easy decision, like the Dust Bowl, many producers have
yet it is one of the most common questions implemented the use of cover crops.
Oklahoma State University Cooperative After harvesting a crop that will leave
Extension Service receives from farmers. little plant residue in the field, a cover crop is
As the cost of farming fluctuates, no-till sometimes planted instead of leaving a field
often intrigues producers with its ability to bare to greatly help with:
limit their use of fuel and reducing their labor • protecting the soil during Oklahoma’s
costs while preserving natural resources. high winds
Typically, farmers disk a crop after harvest • prevent soil erosion
in preparation for the next crop. When • increase the soil quality
implementing no-till practices into their • greatly reduce soil compaction
operation, the stubble from the previous crop • serve as a high-quality material for
is left behind. grazing cattle or other livestock
As the stubble from the previous crop Incorporating cover crops comes with Sources: Oklahoma Forestry Service,
decomposes, it turns into organic matter. challenges, such as the cost of planting it, USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Farmers that have implemented no-till maintaining it and leaving fields susceptible Service - Oklahoma, Oklahoma State
practices have seen a reduction in soil erosion, to unwanted insects if not managed properly. University Extension, Oklahoma Prescribed
increased water retention, a variety of Many producers however, have found the Burn Association, Noble Research Institute
microbial life and more nutrient-rich soil. challenges are worth it.
Summer 2021 — 23CONSIDER THE BENEFITS
Beat the heat with OKFB’s newest member benefit
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RIVERSPORT OKC, a family-friendly water and adventure park.
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RIVERSPORT OKC, provides families with an action-packed day the park, including an 80-foot tall zipline that allows guests to
filled with lots of fun. fly across 700-feet of the Oklahoma River.
Conveniently located off Interstate 40 in the heart of OKFB members can enjoy an exclusive 30% off when
Oklahoma City, RIVERSPORT OKC is filled with a variety of purchasing a day pass, which includes activities like whitewater
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four whitewater rafting at the nation’s only urban whitewater boarding, Sky Trail adventure course and more.
rafting facility, catch endless waves while surfing in the heart For more information, visit riversportokc.org. To take
of Oklahoma City or prepare to be splashed while tubing advantage of the OKFB discount, visit riversportokc.org/epass
down rapids. using access code OKFARM to redeem the discount.
24 — Oklahoma CountrySummer 2021 — 25
A healing hand
S
tanding on the bank of Horse Creek, Grant Victor gazed down
the watershed at what he has accomplished in the past few
years. In the thick, native brush, it is easy see and hear the
wildlife returning to the area where their numbers had once
been dwindling.
Up the creek bank, cattle quietly grazed on lush grass in
pastures that have been passed down for generations. Watching
the cattle browse across the land and listening to the birds sing
along the creek is one of Victor’s favorite pastimes.
Chosen by his great-grandfather because of the creek cutting
through it, Victor imagines what the land in Ottawa County
would have looked like in 1891 when the parcel was granted to
his ancestors in the original Indian land allotment. Back then, the
landscape was filled with native grasses and wildlife for as far as
one could see.nd on the land story by Rebekah Nash photos by Dustin Mielke
Victor recalls growing up on the very land he operates today. As
a child, his grandfather taught him the ways of conservation and
working in concert with the natural resources. Since then, Victor
has been able to build upon those fundamentals on the farm and
ranch, and he is continuing the tradition by sharing his passion
with his three sons in their partnership.
“Conservation is really a passion for me,” Victor said, smiling. “I
want to believe I am doing the right thing with a lasting effect.”
When he saw the banks of the creek barren with little grass
left and minimal wildlife around after years of using the calm
waters for the family’s cattle, Victor knew he had to change
Grant Victor stands on the banks
something. He took advantage of the five-year National Resources
Conservation Services Regional Conservation Partnership Program, of Horse Creek, which runs through
which allowed him to fence off an area a few feet away from the the Ottawa County ranch his great-
creek to restore the bank back to the way it was decades ago. grandfather first settled.Cattle graze in one of the Victor Ranch's 60-acre pasture cells, which allow for a managed rotational grazing plan that ensures plentiful forages.
Fencing off the creek bank rehabilitated the riparian With a main livestock water source fenced off, Victor
area where the nearby grasses, trees and brush bordered had to find a way to subsidize drilling wells across his
the gently flowing water. The increased vegetation invited ranch. He partnered with the Grand River Dam Authority
back wildlife and aquatic species to the area, while to create an easement along the creek running through his
keeping the cattle from entering the stream increased property to ensure optimal water quality in the lake.
the water clarity. Today, a minimum of 35 feet on either side of the water
Before the five-year partnership with NRCS ended, is fenced off to preserve the soil, vegetation and wildlife.
Victor knew returning the cattle to the previously fenced- Victor also has more than 1,100 acres in farmland for corn
off area would not be an option. If he were to use the area and wheat near Afton, and by converting acreage each year
for a water source, the grass and wildlife that came around to pasture, he is growing his herd of 800 cow/calf pairs over
would quickly vanish, reversing all of the hard work put a period of time.
into reviving the area. “Each year I’m taking about 100 acres out of crop
He recognized he would need to find a way to provide production and converting it to grass,” Victor said. “I hope
water for his cattle without using the creek, which flows within five years that my crop land will be down to a
into the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. With cattle grazing minimal amount.”
and fertilizer potentially being spread close to the creek, Victor emphasized listening to the land is important,
the risk of water contamination increased. which is why he is phasing out grain production over a
Because Grand Lake provides tourism, electrification period of time on his operation.
and other opportunities to those living across northeastern Through the years, the creek has carved various paths
Oklahoma, he understood that allowing cattle to have through the Victors’ land, especially when there are
direct access to the creek could be a liability. frequent or large rains. Through years of floods and
“If something were to ever happen, I can now come downpours, the rainwater has wiped away fencing on
back and say I have done everything I can do to prevent multiple occasions.
issues from arising,” Victor said. Realizing the patterns of flooding along the creek, Victor
28 — Oklahoma Country1,000-gallon water troughs are used throughout the ranch to provide fresh drinking water for cattle.
Clovers and other beneficial plants have been planted in places to help soil quality and support pollinators. Pecan trees will help diversify the ranch's production.
decided to work with GRDA to expand the easement and After drilling seven wells across the entire ranch, the
move fences to a minimum of 100 feet away from the cattle are now able to drink from troughs made from
creek bed rather than the previous 35. The change, which large, recycled tires that dot the fence line, each holding
he is currently implementing, will effectively remove areas nearly 1,000 gallons of water. The troughs include a
where his cattle currently graze, but it is a trade-off he system that ensures the water is fresh at all times,
feels is worthwhile in the long run. providing cool water in the summer while preventing
freezing in the winter.
R
iding along in the farm truck with Victor through Back on the opposite side of the creek, land located
bumpy pastures, one can see cattle grazing inside near the water is being turned into a pecan grove. With
60-acre pastures, which he refers to as cells. The cattle 600 trees planted in long rows, Victor hopes to one day
are moved to new cells every few weeks to allow the grass grow more than 2,500 pecan trees.
and forages time to rest. The power of photosynthesis “I’m just diversifying because some years cattle are
allows the grass to regenerate a nutrition-packed food good, some years crops are good,” Victor said. “It takes
source for the cattle. patience, though. It may be eight to 10 years before the
“A lot of times, I have found out that I can leave it pecan trees are producing.”
alone, and Mother Nature can come back and heal it,” As the newly planted trees are still young and a
Victor said of the land. “It’s far better than anything pecan crop is years away, Victor has planted clover in
we do.” the grove, encouraging bees to visit the area to pollinate
The grass sitting idle for weeks in between grazing beneficial plants.
allows Victor to add more cattle per acre, which results in “Our faith teaches us a lot about the importance of
an increased number of cattle grazing on the Victor Ranch. stewardship and how we are supposed to take care of the
Even though Victor grew his cattle herd through land,” Victor said, while remembering why he started
improved land management, the animals still needed a taking the extra steps to add back to the land he has
source of water since the main water source is fenced off. been given.
Summer 2021 — 29“Conservation is really
a passion for me. I
want to believe I am
doing the right thing
with a lasting effect.”
– Grant VictorFor their dedication to conservation, the Victor family was named the 2020 Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award Winners by the Sand County Foundation.
M
any of the decisions Victor has implemented on his Victor feels it is his calling to educate people about
farm and ranch stem from rehabilitating the riparian conservation and environmental stewardship, but he
area. As he strives to care for the land, he also aims never wants to force anyone to take up the practices he
to be a leader in conservation. is implementing.
While the improved water quality and pristine creek “I don’t sit there and tell people what they should do,
bank are reward enough for years of conservation efforts, but I try to give them ideas of why they should start,”
the Victor family has also received recognition for their Victor said. “Whether I’m right or wrong, it’s something I
ongoing stewardship. Victor Ranch earned the 2020 believe in.”
Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award, sponsored in part Standing in the creek where Victor brings his sons and
by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. their children to fish and enjoy the landscape, he shares
“We understand programs are coming,” Victor said, the importance of passing the land down for generations
about proposed federal legislation and regulations, to come. With a passion for stewarding the land, he is
including carbon and conservation programs. “Why not be protecting the dreams his great-grandfather had in 1891.
ahead of the race?” “Even though I had help from people across the state, I
Through years of caring for his land and animals, Victor would not be where I am today without the help of my
has seen federal proposals and programs come and go. His family,” Victor said. “I want to ensure my children and
grandfather, father and uncle were on the forefront of grandchildren can come back to our operation for
conservation issues during their years on the ranch. generations to come.”
“I want to be in the conversation when the rules and Filled with trees, grasses, cattle and wildlife, Victor will
regulations get set into place,” Victor said. “We all get continue stewarding the land he calls his own well into
upset about new regulations coming down. If we can be a the future.
part of the solution, I would be really excited.” Horse Creek drew Victor’s great-grandfather to settle in
Victor spends a great deal of his time in meeting the area, and it sustained generations of the Victor family
rooms and conference centers around the state, sharing as they ranched alongside the flowing stream.
the perspective of farmers and ranchers with lawmakers, Today, the fourth-generation producer is proud to see
researchers and other decision makers. He shares his the creek returning to the way it likely looked when his
experience to help them understand how farmers and great-grandfather first visited, all while continuing on the
ranchers are thinking as they implement changes on agricultural tradition and raising the next generation to
their operations. carry on the legacy of conservation.
Summer 2021 — 31FORWARD FOUNDATION
CREATING
F O U N DAT I O N
AGRICULTURE
F O R
OPPORTUNITIES
klahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is excited to offer more than $16,000 in
2021 through three newly established grant programs. With more than 15 grant opportunities
available for organizations and schools alike, the grants were developed with the intention to help
educate consumers about their food while connecting them with producers.
From implementing agricultural literacy to experiencing food production, the grants will create
opportunities for Oklahomans of all ages to learn about agriculture, gaining hands-on experience.
Ranging from $500 to $5,000, recipients will have the opportunity to share the story of
agriculture throughout their communities in a variety of ways. Potential projects could include
establishing a laying hen project, building a community garden, hosting a community event focused
on agricultural education and much more.
MINI GRANT PROGRAM
Designed for 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, teachers and county Farm Bureaus, this
$500 grant was created to help establish educational programs for school-aged
children or adults to improve agriculture literacy. The promotion of agriculture within
your community can include supporting an Ag in the Classroom event, hosting an
interactive booth at a farmer’s market or community event, and much more. The mini
grant is offered twice a year in March and September for a total of 10 grants awarded
each year. Applications for the first cycle must be submitted by Sept. 1.
GROWING WITH THE FOUNDATION
Introduce students to the world of horticulture by applying for the Growing with
the Foundation grant program. The recipient will receive a $5,000 grant to help in
purchasing supplies for a school greenhouse, with five additional school receiving
classroom grow kits valued at $500. By learning to grow their own food, students will
be able to see sustainable models that they can implement in their own homes and
neighborhood. Applications for this grant program must be submitted by Oct. 1.
COMMUNITY HARVEST
Youth organizations across the state looking to fight hunger are encouraged to
apply for the Community Harvest grant program. Individual 4-H clubs and FFA
chapters may apply for up to $1,000 to support a service-learning project focused
on developing and implementing sustainable food production that addresses hunger
in the community. Projects can include developing a community garden, creating a
school pantry, hosting a class for the community and much more. Applications must
be submitted by Nov. 1.
To apply today, visit okfb.news/foundgrants21. For any questions, contact Holly Carroll at holly.carroll@aggiving.org.
32 — Oklahoma Country3
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Summer 2021 — 33ALL AROUND OKLAHOMA
Nocona Cook
OKFB YF&R member recently appointed to state
board of ag
ashita County Farm Bureau member Nocona Cook was In addition, Cook serves on the Washita County Farm Bureau
recently confirmed as the newest member of the State board, Washita County Cattlemen’s Association board and Cordell
Board of Agriculture. Public Schools Board of Education. He is also the president of
A fifth-generation farmer, Cook was appointed by Gov. Kevin the Washita County Fire Association and the Cloud Chief Fire
Stitt and confirmed by the state Senate to be a voice for producers Department fire chief and EMT.
in the southwest district of Oklahoma. Three additional Farm Bureau members were also confirmed
As a full-time producer, Cook’s family farm near Cloud Chief to statewide boards. Grady County Farm Bureau member Ron
consists of wheat, alfalfa and cotton, along with a commercial Justice was confirmed to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board,
cow-calf operation and custom swathing and hay business. Texas County Farm Bureau member Dan Herald was named Area I
He currently serves as a member of the Oklahoma Farm Commissioner on the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, and
Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers committee and previously Garfield County Farm Bureau member Brady Bond was appointed
served as the OKFB YF&R chair alongside his wife, Jordan. to the Oklahoma State Fire Marshall Board.
34 — Oklahoma CountryYou can also read
